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Tabs Usability

Description

Tabs provides navigation between different views/controls. Each tabs show name of open controls in rectangular box with its top borders rounded. User can navigate between different tabs using arrow keys. Usually active tabs highlighted to distinguish it from other inactive tabs.

Example

Keep followings general rules in your mind while designing your application with tabs.

The first tab should contain most essential functionality of the application. Underlying tabs can be used to hide advanced functionality.

Good tab example

Bad tab example

Highlight currently selected/active tab and its title. Set title of others tabs dimmed/faded. Also make sure that the title of unselected tabs are clearly visible and readable.

Good tab example

Bad tab example

Allow users to switch tabs using left and right arrow keys.

Good tab example

Bad tab example

Connect the active tab to content area.

Good tab example

Bad tab example

If tab is an icon (rather than text) then use tooltips to give description of tab

Good tab example with tooltips

Bad tab example without tooltips

One row of tabs preferable than multiple rows.

The row of tabs preferable on top of the panel.

Change the font color of title on the active tab.

Changing the font color will give your active tab even more differentiation, and will allow people to quickly scan the navigation for the other view available to them.

Try to limit the number of tabs if possible, so that the users need not scroll.

For a full screen application or if there is a user's requirement, customized tabs could also be provided.Read more on custom tabs